Mitzi Fox, VA Master Naturalist
Jun 2, 2021
We pre-recorded today's conversation with longtime listener and Virginia Master Naturalist, Mitzi Fox to learn how and why one would become a Master Naturalist.
Mitzi explained the program and the similarities between this and the master gardeners program. We talked about why it's important to know, understand and support native plants and animals in our area.
The Shenandoah Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists serves Clarke, Warren, Page, Shenandoah, and Frederick Counties. Contact: Karen Fall, 540-252-2240; vmnshenandoah@gmail.com or visit: www.vmnshenandoah.org
We also talked about the Virginia Native Plant Society. The local Piedmont chapter is based at Blandy Experimental Farm and serves Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Loudoun, Rappahannock, Fauquier, Culpeper, & the City of Winchester. More information can be found on their website: https://vnps.org/piedmont/
She explained how and what a "bluebird monitor" is through the Northern Shenandoah Valley Audubon Society. You can learn more here: https://www.nsvaudubon.org/
Finally, we talked about her involvement with the Warren County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League. She explained they are one of the oldest conservation organizations in the US. Started by a group of hunters in the 1920s, they were primary in helping migratory birds. They were early in calling out industry on destructive practices – water, land.
The Warren County chapter has 150 acres in Browntown adj Shenandoah National Park with an archery range, a shooting range, lots of nature trails, a place to camp, a stocked lake, and the original house. Starting later this month they're offering Nature Programs on Wednesdays for 6 weeks – Walton Wednesday for kids of all ages. For more information, visit their website: https://www.wacovaikes.org/